Montenegro Warned about Poor Conditions in Remand Prisons

Police patrol during the curfew in Podgorica, Montenegro. Photo: BIRN/Samir Kajosevic

"In the remand prison in Podgorica, there were not enough blankets and no soap in the men's toilet. The council also registered the fact that two detainees shared one bed in a detention room," said Zekovic.

He called on Supreme State Prosecutor Ivica Stankovic to issue custody remands only in special cases to avoid prison overcrowding and limit the risk of the coronavirus spreading.

"Prosecutors should bear in mind the limited capacities of detention facilities, as well as the fact that it is not possible to implement all the preventive and hygienic recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19," said Zekovic.

On Sunday, Montenegrin media reported that police have been keeping detainees together in cells despite the authorities' orders for social distancing.

The police directorate has insisted however that it is respecting all the orders handed down by the Institute for Public Health. It told daily newspaper Vijesti that only one person is kept in a small cell, while three or five are kept in larger cells.

"If the existing capacities are not sufficient, the police may hold detained persons in other premises," the police directorate said.

The police directorate said on Sunday that 806 people have been arrested since the government's coronavirus restrictions came into effect. According to police, most of them violated the curfew.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, bans have been imposed on public gatherings and intercity traffic, while shops, malls, restaurants, hotels, fitness centers and casinos have been closed.

On weekdays, people cannot leave their houses from 7pm to 5am, while on Saturday and Sunday, the curfew runs...